Sunday, May 18, 2014
How to Replace the Front Left Turning Bulb in a 1997 Dodge Caravan

Chrysler Corporation began designs for a minivan in the 1970s. The Dodge Caravan debuted in 1984 along side its sister vehicles, the Chrysler Town & Country and the Plymouth Voyager. The 1997 Dodge Caravan was produced in eight different sub-model packages. The turn signal bulb on the 1997 Caravans are all located, accessed and replaced in the same manner, regardless of the sub-model designation. Removal and replacement of the bulbs requires some mechanical skills. Replacement of the 1997 Caravan turn signal bulbs should take about one hour, depending upon individual skills.
Instructions
- 1
Open the hood of the Caravan. Visually inspect and locate the two headlamp mounting bolts at the top rear of the headlamp assembly. Remove the headlamp mounting bolts, using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket with a 6-inch extension -- the addition of an extension between the ratchet and socket will allow you to turn the ratchet completely around while you simply hold the extension and socket in place.
2Pull the headlamp assembly forward and rest the assembly on the front bumper of the Caravan. Reach behind the assembly to access the outermost bulb socket assembly. Remove the bulb socket from the bulb by prying up the small tabs with your fingers or with a small flat-head screwdriver. Rotate the bulb locking cap on the back of the headlamp assembly counterclockwise in relation to its position. Slide the cap back and off the turn signal bulb. Pull the turn signal bulb out of the headlamp assembly and discard it into a trash receptacle.
3Grab a new turn signal bulb from its packaging, using a paper towel or napkin between your fingers and the bulb. Never touch a turn signal bulb directly with your fingers, as the oil from your fingers can cause the bulb to burn out prematurely; the turn signal bulbs also act as running lights on the Caravan, so they heat up similar to headlamps. Insert the new bulb into the rear of the headlamp assembly.
4Install the locking cap over the light bulb and turn it clockwise until it is snug on the rear of the headlamp. Plug the bulb socket into the new light bulb. Reinstall the headlamp assembly back into position on the Caravan. Install the mounting bolts downward through the assembly and begin threading them, by hand, to assure correct threading of the bolts. Tighten the bolts with your 3/8-ratchet, socket and extension assembly until the bolts are snug. Turn the ratchet 1/4-turn farther to secure the headlamp bolts. No torque is needed for the headlamp mounting bolts.
5Repeat the processes in Step 1 through Step 4 to complete the turn signal bulb replacement on the second side of the Caravan. Turn the key to the accessories or "II" position in the ignition of the Caravan after you have completely installed both turn signal bulbs. Turn the left turn signal on and visually inspect its correct operation by either stepping out of the vehicle or checking the bulbs flash lecting off another surface. Turn the right hand turn signal on and inspect its correct operation in a similar fashion. Lower the hood after the operation inspection is completed.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Problem With Tundra Marker Lights Not Turning Off

The 2004 Toyota Tundra has had a number of recalls. One such recall is for the Tundra marker lights. A marker light is a blinking light that is produced to indicate the direction the driver is taking; its also known as a turn signal or indicator light. If your Tundras marker lights are constantly blinking, you may have a faulty blinker fuse or light bulb.
Instructions
- 1
Insert the key into the ignition and turn it clockwise to the "On" position, but do not start the engine.
2Test the blinker system by inspecting the fuse panel. Look under the cars dashboard, which is located just below the drivers knee. Youll see the fuse box. Locate the tap on the fuse box cover and lift it up to snap the cover off. Remove the cover. On the underside of the cover is a chart that explains each fuse control.
3Inspect the blinker flasher. Connect a jumper wire to two slots at the top of the fuse panel. Switch the blinker lever to the "Off" position. If the blinkers are still going, you may have a faulty fuse that will need to be replaced.
4Turn off the Tundra and remove the key. Remove the marker light covers and replace the bulbs. Unscrew the cover and twist off the bulb. Insert another bulb into the housing and screw it in tightly. Insert the key into the ignition. If the lights continue to blink, youll have to turn to a mechanic to repair the fuse box.